Slidell police say they have made the state's first arrest under a new law that bans synthetic forms of marijuana.

A woman who was in possession of the marijuana-like incense "Mojo'' was arrested around 6 p.m. Sunday, about 18 hours after the law went into effect, police said.

The incense carries a synthetic chemical derivative of tetrahydrocannabinols, or THC, which is the natural active ingredient found in marijuana. The law makes it illegal to possess such products and carries the same penalties as possession of marijuana, which is listed as a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance.

About 5:50 p.m. Sunday, Slidell officers were dispatched to a possible domestic dispute after a husband claimed that his wife, Tracey E. Frost, 29, had threatened to come and shoot him. He told the officers that his wife was possibly smoking marijuana at 1255 Walnut St. in Slidell, police spokesman Capt. Kevin Foltz said.

Officers Luke Irwin and Mark Michaud found Frost on the back porch. When Frost saw the officers, she threw a bottle of beer and a small container to the ground, police said.The small item was a container of "Mojo" incense, Foltz said.

The officers searched the rest of the home and discovered that the homeowners were in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia, according to police.

"I am very proud that our agency was the first to make an arrest under the new law and I want to remind the community that we will continue to be proactive to any new problems that affect our area," Slidell Police Chief Randy Smith said.

Frost, of 643 Citrus St., Slidell, was booked with simple assault, possession of a Schedule I drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The homeowners of 1255 Walnut St., Natalie K. Royer, 47, and Lurry L. Royer Jr., 37, were booked with possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I drug, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

During the legislative session that ended June 21, police testified that stores were selling the products to a growing number of youths. Inhaling such incense produces a high similar to smoking marijuana, authorities have said.

The law, which makes it a crime to possess, sell or manufacture the synthetic drug, went into effect Sunday.

Benjamin Alexander-Bloch can be reached at bbloch@timespicayune.com or 985.898.4827.